The word "chemical modification" is spelled [ˈkɛm.ɪ.kəl ˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən] in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable "chem" is pronounced with a /k/ sound followed by a short /e/ sound and a nasal consonant /m/. The second syllable "i" is pronounced with a short /ɪ/ sound. The third syllable "cal" is pronounced with a /k/ sound, a short /æ/ sound, and an /l/ sound. The fourth syllable "mod" is pronounced with a short /ɒ/ sound and a voiced /d/ sound. The final syllable "ification" is pronounced with a /f/ sound, a long /i:/ sound, and a /ʃən/ sound.
Chemical modification refers to the alteration or transformation of a substance by introducing chemical changes or modifications to its molecular structure. It involves the addition, removal, or modification of specific chemical groups within the molecule to obtain desired properties or functionalities.
Chemical modification can be performed on various types of substances, including organic and inorganic compounds, polymers, proteins, and nucleic acids. The purpose of this process is typically to enhance or alter the physical, chemical, or biological properties of the substance for specific applications.
This technique is widely used across different scientific fields, such as chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology. It enables researchers to tailor the properties of a substance to meet specific requirements, improving its performance or creating entirely new materials.
Examples of chemical modifications include the incorporation of functional groups, such as methyl, hydroxyl, or amino groups, onto a compound to enhance its reactivity or solubility. Additionally, modifications can involve replacing certain atoms within a molecule with different elements or substituents to impart new properties or bioactivity. Chemical modifications can also include the introduction of cross-linking agents to enhance the stability or mechanical properties of polymers.
In summary, chemical modification refers to the deliberate alteration or manipulation of a substance's chemical structure to achieve desired properties or functionalities, and it plays a crucial role in diverse scientific and technological advancements.
The word "chemical modification" is a compound word that combines the noun "chemical" and the noun "modification".
- "Chemical" originates from the early 17th century, derived from the Old French word "chimique" and Latin word "chemicus" which in turn originated from the Greek word "khēmeia". The term "khēmeia" originally referred to the ancient art of transmuting metals or brewing elixirs, and it later encompassed the science of chemistry as a whole.
- "Modification" is derived from the Latin word "modificare" which combines "modus" meaning "measure" or "manner" and "facere" meaning "to make". The word "modification" emerged in the late 16th century with the meaning of altering or adjusting something.